Big Three could have impact on Carmelo Anthony's decision

By STEVE POPPER

STAFF WRITER |

The Record

It was less than a week before free agency began when Phil Jackson was asked if he was optimistic that Carmelo Anthony would return to the Knicks. And the team president wisely considered the uncertainty that the Knicks and Anthony would face.

AP

Carmelo Anthony

"It's a big question because there are so many things that can happen out there," Jackson said. "We really don't know. With LeBron getting in this free agency, and all this stuff, kind of tipsy and turvy right now. We don't know what all that means."

Now, after a week on the open market with visits to four teams besides the Knicks, Anthony remains silent on his intentions. And the market may be more unstable and uncertain than it ever seemed at the start. The opt-out of Miami's Big Three of LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade a week after Anthony opted out of his deal with the Knicks has created chaos in the market, leaving Anthony with three legitimate landing spots and maybe another one under the radar.

While the Knicks can offer the most money, a five-year, $129.1 million package, the Lakers also have indicated they would be willing to give him a max deal — four -years and $95.9 million for jumping to another team. The Chicago Bulls remain the best ready-made contender and with the max deals on both coasts, have tried to figure out how to get Anthony a financial package close enough to lure him to the Windy City.

But so much now rests on another decision — the possible breakup of the Big Three. While James could lure Anthony to join him if he bolts Miami, that seems an unlikely combination, particularly if James were to return to Cleveland.

Bosh, who is considering a reported four-year max offer from the Rockets, would eliminate Houston from Anthony's list of suitors if he signs there. And while it may be unlikely, it could add Miami to the mix for Anthony if somehow president Pat Riley could coax him to join James in South Beach in place of Bosh.

The more likely scenario for Anthony remains choosing among the Knicks, Lakers and Bulls. The Knicks can offer the most money, as well as the comfort of familiarity. The Lakers are willing to deliver a huge financial package and along with already being the site of his off-season home, could put him in a lineup with Kobe Bryant and possibly Pau Gasol, a free agent right now. The Bulls would have to manipulate their roster to fit him in at more than $16 million as a starting contract, but would pair him up with a tremendous coach (Tom Thibodeau) and a lineup with a former MVP in Derrick Rose and another star in Joakim Noah.

The decision of James and Bosh could certainly impact the offers to Anthony — and the decision that he will make. Anthony wasn't expected to announce a decision until the holiday weekend was over — and every minute he waits may make Jackson just a little more nervous, the Knicks' money not yet completing the recruiting pitch.

BRIEFS: The Knicks announced Kurt Rambis will be added to the coaching staff as associate head coach, reuniting Rambis with Derek Fisher after 10 seasons with the Lakers. "Together, Derek and I have started assembling a coaching staff to lead this team on and off the court," Jackson said. "The three of us are similar in our philosophies and our approach to the game." While Fisher and Jackson have five year deals, Rambis agreed to a four-year contract worth $4.8 million.

Big Three could have impact on Carmelo Anthony's decision

It was less than a week before free agency began when Phil Jackson was asked if he was optimistic that Carmelo Anthony would return to the Knicks. And the team president wisely considered the uncertainty that the Knicks and Anthony would face.

"It's a big question because there are so many things that can happen out there," Jackson said. "We really don't know. With LeBron getting in this free agency, and all this stuff, kind of tipsy and turvy right now. We don't know what all that means."

Now, after a week on the open market with visits to four teams besides the Knicks, Anthony remains silent on his intentions. And the market may be more unstable and uncertain than it ever seemed at the start. The opt-out of Miami's Big Three of LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade a week after Anthony opted out of his deal with the Knicks has created chaos in the market, leaving Anthony with three legitimate landing spots and maybe another one under the radar.

While the Knicks can offer the most money, a five-year, $129.1 million package, the Lakers also have indicated they would be willing to give him a max deal — four -years and $95.9 million for jumping to another team. The Chicago Bulls remain the best ready-made contender and with the max deals on both coasts, have tried to figure out how to get Anthony a financial package close enough to lure him to the Windy City.

But so much now rests on another decision — the possible breakup of the Big Three. While James could lure Anthony to join him if he bolts Miami, that seems an unlikely combination, particularly if James were to return to Cleveland.

Bosh, who is considering a reported four-year max offer from the Rockets, would eliminate Houston from Anthony's list of suitors if he signs there. And while it may be unlikely, it could add Miami to the mix for Anthony if somehow president Pat Riley could coax him to join James in South Beach in place of Bosh.

The more likely scenario for Anthony remains choosing among the Knicks, Lakers and Bulls. The Knicks can offer the most money, as well as the comfort of familiarity. The Lakers are willing to deliver a huge financial package and along with already being the site of his off-season home, could put him in a lineup with Kobe Bryant and possibly Pau Gasol, a free agent right now. The Bulls would have to manipulate their roster to fit him in at more than $16 million as a starting contract, but would pair him up with a tremendous coach (Tom Thibodeau) and a lineup with a former MVP in Derrick Rose and another star in Joakim Noah.

The decision of James and Bosh could certainly impact the offers to Anthony — and the decision that he will make. Anthony wasn't expected to announce a decision until the holiday weekend was over — and every minute he waits may make Jackson just a little more nervous, the Knicks' money not yet completing the recruiting pitch.

BRIEFS: The Knicks announced Kurt Rambis will be added to the coaching staff as associate head coach, reuniting Rambis with Derek Fisher after 10 seasons with the Lakers. "Together, Derek and I have started assembling a coaching staff to lead this team on and off the court," Jackson said. "The three of us are similar in our philosophies and our approach to the game." While Fisher and Jackson have five year deals, Rambis agreed to a four-year contract worth $4.8 million.